Ümit Özdağ speaks from Silivri in a video prepared with artificial intelligence! 'For 67 days in this cell...'

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğanwas detained on allegations of insulting [the President], and was arrested on January 21 for "publicly inciting the people to hatred and hostility" due to his past social media posts regarding the events in Kayseri. Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ still has no indictment prepared against him.

Özdağ, who is being held in Silivri Prison, sent a new message from his cell. Addressing citizens in a video prepared with the help of artificial intelligence, Özdağ said, "You know that I am innocent and that I was arrested by a political decision. And rest assured, your love and support pierce through the thick walls of Silivri and reach my cell." he stated.

Özdağ concluded his remarks with the sentence, "I do not know how long I will have to address you from here, but I want to end this first address with the cry: 'Victory will belong to the Great Turkish Nation.'"

My Dear Citizens,

I am addressing you from Silivri, from my cell number B-43 in what is now called the Marmara Penal Execution Institution. I have been held hostage in this cell for 67 days for Öcalan. A negotiation process is underway between the People's Alliance and Öcalan.

Erdoğan and Bahçeli, while this process... pic.twitter.com/C6Or9O1Gpa

— Ümit Özdağ (@umitozdag) March 29, 2025

In his statement, Özdağ used the following expressions: 

“I am addressing you from Silivri, from my cell number B-43 in what is now called the Marmara Penal Execution Institution. I have been held hostage in this cell for 67 days for Öcalan. A negotiation process is underway between the People's Alliance and Öcalan.

Erdoğan and Bahçeli did not want me to organize rallies at the head of the Zafer Party while this process was ongoing. And I was detained on charges of insulting Erdoğan. But I was referred to court and arrested by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on charges of inciting the Kayseri events that took place 2 months ago. And now, through the application of enemy criminal law, I am imprisoned in this cell, which I can pace in 6 steps, due to an alleged crime that carries no prison time even if I were to receive the maximum sentence.

However, you know that I am innocent and that I was arrested by a political decision. And rest assured, your love and support pierce through the thick walls of Silivri and reach my cell.

I experience the most beautiful moments in this cell while reading the letters from my young brothers and sisters. The tears shed on their letters and the love poured into their lines warm my heart and give me strength. My dear young brothers and sisters, your prayers are a source of strength for me.

The 'Zafer Otağı' (Victory Tent), which my Zafer Party brothers and sisters set up just outside Silivri Prison and which they have not left empty in snow, storms, or rain, is also a separate source of strength for me.

Those who resist the pressures and harassment at the Zafer Otağı are practically shouting from there the lines: 'Snow, storm, and gale will find peace; the separatists and imperialists will stand at attention for you.'

I do not know how long I will have to address you from here, but I want to end this first address with the cry: 'Victory will belong to the Great Turkish Nation.'”